Leyck, Siegfried

Date of birth:: August 4th, 1915 (Rosenberg/Heiligenbeil (East Prussia), Germany)
Date of death:: July 7th, 1943 (Gercevka, USSR)
Nationality:: German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

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Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Hauptmann (Captain)
Unit:: Kommandeur, III. Bataillon, Panzer-Füsilier-Regiment "Großdeutschland", Panzergrenadier-Division "Großdeutschland", Heer
Awarded on:: December 17th, 1943

The day before Operation Citadel, on the 04.07.1943, two Bataillone of the Panzergrenadier-Divison “Großdeutschland” were ordered to launch an afternoon attack to secure better jump-off positions for the next day. They began their attack at about 15:00 on that day, however they soon began taking heavy losses on account of fierce Soviet resistance. However in spite of this the first important attack objective near Butowo was reached at 16:45. Later on that evening these forces would also capture the heights near Gerzowka, after which the rest of the Division could be brought up for the ensuing assault.

Leyck, who commanded the III./Pz.Füs.Rgt. “GD” during the day’s attack, was badly wounded while commanding his men from the front. He would succumb to these injuries a few days later. However he would later be decorated with the Knight’s Cross for leading the successful preemptive attack to victory despite the difficulties.